Explore scales · Ukulele
C bebop dominant scale on ukulele
C bebop dominant contains C, D, E, F, G, A, A♯, and B. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 for easy access to the passing tone.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the C bebop dominant scale on ukulele?
C bebop dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 12 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | A, A♯, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C bebop dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 12 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | A, A♯, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C bebop dominant in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6, 7 | A, A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C bebop dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
C bebop dominant in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 11, 12 | A, A♯, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
C bebop dominant adds A♯ to C major, creating a passing minor 7th between the major 6th and major 7th. The scale contains a tritone between E and A♯, and the leading tone B resolves to C. The added A♯ smooths descending lines over C7 chords.
When to use it
C bebop dominant fits C major and C 5th chords. Use it over C7 in F major progressions. The A♯ passing tone suits jazz and swing lines.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It places the root on string 4, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3, setting up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in C bebop dominant?
C bebop dominant contains C, D, E, F, G, A, A♯, and B. The A♯ is the added passing tone between the major 6th and major 7th. This eight-note scale is used over dominant chords.
Which chords does C bebop dominant fit?
C bebop dominant fits C major and C 5th chords. It also works over C7 in dominant contexts. The added A♯ creates smooth chromatic movement.
How does C bebop dominant differ from C major?
C bebop dominant adds A♯ to C major. This creates a passing minor 7th between the major 6th and major 7th. The extra note smooths descending lines over dominant chords.